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Mountain lake · Estes Park, Colorado
Bear Lake
Glacial lake in Rocky Mountain Park, starting point for hikes to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes, at the foot of Hallett Peak.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bear Lake
Bear Lake lies at about 2,900 meters altitude, at the end of a road that climbs from Moraine Park valley in Rocky Mountain National Park. A flat trail of less than 1 km circles the lake, with views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide.
From the same parking lot leaves the park’s most visited trail, which climbs in sequence to Nymph Lake, covered with water lilies in summer, to Dream Lake and to Emerald Lake, the latter at the base of rock walls, a total of about 5 km round trip. Other trails continue to Bierstadt and Haiyaha Lakes and to Alberta Falls.
The Bear Lake parking lot fills early, and in summer there are often specific reservation rules for the road, as well as park shuttle buses from a parking area in the valley.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to four hours for the lakes trail.
Best time
Early, before eight in the morning in summer, to find parking and the calmest water. From June to October; in winter, the trails are done with snowshoes.
How to get there
By car, via Bear Lake Road, about 20 km from downtown Estes Park, or on the park’s shuttle buses from the Park & Ride lot.
Tip
Check whether your timed-entry reservation includes the Bear Lake Road, which often has its own rules in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bear Lake
What is the Bear Lake trail?
The most popular route climbs from Bear Lake to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes, about 5 km round trip in total.
Do you need a reservation to go to Bear Lake?
In summer, Bear Lake Road often has its own reservation rules; check the park’s website. The park shuttle buses are an alternative.
Is the Bear Lake trail difficult?
The loop around the lake is flat and short. The trail to Emerald Lake has a moderate climb, at an altitude that tires more than usual.